His Undercover Agents

I have not seen a ploy so deep
As those who, in His love, lose sleep.
They disguise and deceive,
In forms none can believe.

Hamdun, the launderer
Hid behind the bleached garments;
Abu Hafs, the blacksmith
Covered his truth in the dark soot;
Junaid, the merchant
Veiled his soul-shine behind the silks.

Whirling and wandering dervishes,
Simple and streetwise performers,
Pauper beggars and knightly kings:
Mask upon mask, veil upon veil.

Radical as a revolutionary,
Sly as a sleeper spy,
Sufis are His ‘undercover’ agents
Who revel away from our eyes.

They flee from our midst,
Waiting till settled is the dust

And then rejoice alone,
In His presence, unknown.

Jun 09, 2026 | Dhu al-Hijjah 23, 1447